Whether you're opening a storefront, starting a home-based business or expanding an existing business, there are several important steps to consider.
The City of New Westminster provides information and resources to help you navigate the process, including business licensing, local regulations, and other requirements. Explore the resources below to help you get started.
The Starting a Business Guide provides helpful information on key steps to starting a business in New Westminster, including registering your business name with the Province, choosing a location, understanding zoning requirements, obtaining permits and applying for a business licence. The guide also includes frequently asked questions, City contacts and additional resources to help you get started.
Translated versions:
The Business Licence Bylaw No. 8473, 2024 outlines the regulations and requirements for obtaining and maintaining a business licence in New Westminster
Other Important Bylaws and Regulations
All businesses must comply with City and provincial requirements. Key bylaws include:
Business Licence Fees for 2026 for new and renewing businesses (refer to Schedule B)
Business Licensing Fees
Every business operating in the City of New Westminster - including those located in private residences (home-based) - are required to have a valid business licence. Registered non-profit societies delivering a service in the city are also encouraged to have a business licence (no fee is charged).
Annual Business Licence Fees
Business licence fees vary depending on the type of business being operated. Fees are determined by the number of people working, the specific type of business or other criteria as specified in the Business Licence Bylaw. Business licence fees are established to cover the cost of administration, bylaw/police enforcement and the necessary reviews and inspections to related bylaws concerning business operations.
In New Westminster, annual licence fees are outlined in the Business Licence Bylaw No. 8473, 2024 (see Appendix B) and renewals are exempt from any application fee. All city departments are required to review their user fees and rates on an annual basis. For 2027, most business licence fees are increasing by 2% to correspond with the rate of inflation and then rounded to the nearest dollar (with the exception of Inter-Municipal Business Licences (IMBL) and Commercial Vehicle Fees for Taxis, in alignment with IMBL Transportation Network Services Bylaw).
Before you start or sign a lease
Change of Use
Each space in a building has its own specific approved use and sometimes the use of that space cannot be changed without approval and/or permit. Please contact the Planning and Building Departments to confirm whether any approvals or permits are required for the proposed change of use.
How many business licences do I need?
One licence is required for each activity. Some businesses may need multiple licences at one location (e.g., a hotel with rooms, restaurant, liquor service, and ATM). Each contractor or practitioner (e.g., massage therapist) must also hold their own licence.
How long does it take to get a licence?
Please note that timelines may vary based on individual scenarios and the completeness of each application.
All businesses in New Westminster require a valid business licence. Depending on your business activities, additional permits or approvals may be required for renovations, signage, patios or other operations.
Building Permits
A building permit may be required for renovations, alterations or construction work associated with your business. Visit the Building Permits webpage for more information or contact our Building/Plumbing Department.
Plumbing Permits
A plumbing permit may be required for installing, relocating or modifying plumbing systems or fixtures. Visit the Plumbing Permits webpage for more information or contact our Building/Plumbing Department.
Fire Department
To prepare your space and meet inspection requirements, review the following resources:
Sign Permits
A sign permit may be required before installing or altering signage for your business. Any window signage or decals must meet the Sign Bylaw and Business Licence Bylaw requirements and must be kept to 20% or less of the area of windows or glass doors. View the Sign Permits webpage for more information.
Street and Sidewalk Patios
Businesses interested in operating a patio or sidewalk café on public property must obtain approval from the City. Visit the Street and Sidewalk Patio webpage for more information or contact our Business Licensing Department.
Fraser Health
Businesses involved in food preparation, food service or certain personal services may require permits or approvals from Fraser Health.
BC Registry
Businesses can register their business name or complete other applicable registration requirements through BC Registry.
Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB)
Businesses involved in the sale of service of liquor or cannabis may require provincial licensing or approval from the Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch.
Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (VSA)
Businesses involved in motor vehicle sales must meet applicable licensing requirements established by the Vehicle Sales Authority of BC. A motor dealer licence may be required.
Business Licensing
604-527-4565
businesslicences@newwestcity.ca
Economic Development Office
604-527-4536
info@investnewwest.ca
Planning Department
604-527-4532
plnpost@newwestcity.ca
Building and Plumbing Department
604-527-4580
buildingdept@newwestcity.ca
Fire Department
604-519-1000
fire@newwestcity.ca
Bylaw Enforcement
604-527-4657
bylawenforcement@newwestcity.ca
BC Registry
1-877-526-1526
BCRegistries@gov.bc.ca
Fraser Health
604-777-6740
hpnewwest@fraserhealth.ca
Liquor and Cannabis Regulation Branch (LCRB)
1-866-209-2111
LCRBLiquor@gov.bc.ca
LCRBCannabis@gov.bc.ca
Vehicle Sales Authority of BC (VSA)
604-575-7253
licensing@mvsabc.com